Police Officer convictions

Murad Qureshi: Following reports from SkyNews of the number of Police Officers who have criminal convictions against them, how many Met Police Officers have charges against them?

The Mayor: All police officers are required to declare criminal convictions. This is monitored closely by the Directorate of Professional Standards and includes an annual check every December.
In addition, all police officers are subject to vetting at the point of recruitment and through a renewals process. The renewal process involves a full vetting application and all commensurate checks completed in accordance with the level of vetting applied.
As of the last data check in December 2019, there were 279 police officers who were serving in the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) with a conviction/caution for a criminal offence. At that time there were around 31,000 officers in total.
The MPS Integrity Assurance Unit is responsible for managing the long-term restrictions for serving officers who receive a conviction and are not dismissed.

Met Trace Scheme

Shaun Bailey: Please can you provide an update on the Met Trace Scheme?

The Mayor: My priority for the MPS is to focus on crime that matters to Londoners, including residential burglary which has a significant impact on victims. Last year, I committed £85million of new funding to tackle burglary and violent crime in the capital. This has allowed more resources to be invested in the police response to burglary, including a major boost for MetTrace. Local police will continue to focus on work to prevent burglary and target those responsible and the increased funding will also support more proactive policing to both prevent and detect burglary.
The MPS is extending MetTrace, which is already the world's largest forensic property marking project. MetTrace kits have been delivered to over 350,000 homes, which has led to a 20 per cent reduction in burglaries in the deployed areas. The MPS will also significantly widen coverage of MetTrace across London and BCUs are putting in place dedicated teams to deliver this enhanced response. MetTrace will continue to be deployed as a theft deterrent which will be intelligence-led.

IOPC investigations

Jennette Arnold: Please provide details of how many incidents the Met Police have referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) where it has been determined that the Met officer involved racially discriminated against another party in each of the following years: 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 to date.

The Mayor: Table 1 shows by year the number of cases referred to the IOPC because of an allegation of race discrimination involving a police officer, this could involve an allegation from a member of the MPS or a member of the public.
Table 1: Number of cases referred
2017
2018
2019
2020*
Number of cases referred
40
44
50
14
The figures are based on the referral reason (to the IOPC) being ‘Discrimination race’ or the case having an allegation of ‘Race Discrimination’.
*Data to the end of June 2020

County lines

Tony Devenish: It has been reported that that criminals are increasingly targeting girls for county lines exploitation because they are less likely to be intercepted by the police. In those cases, criminals often form romantic relationships with the girls they are targeting for exploitation with the purpose of exerting control over them in the future. What specifically are you and the MPS doing about this?

The Mayor: My Office for Police and Crime funds the pan-London Rescue and Response project, which receives referrals and rescue requests for young Londoners suffering exploitation on county lines. The Abianda charity provides the one-to-one support for any girls and young women who are referred onto the project.
Since it began there have been 192 referrals for girls and young women. This year, there has been additional investment to support better identification of girls and young women at risk of, or already involved in, county lines activity, most often through abusive and exploitative relationships.
Every Borough Command Unit works in partnership with other agencies who offer additional levels of support to try to divert them from those offenders seeking to exploit them. County Lines remains an MPS priority, and this year a number of offenders have been charged with Modern Slavery offences and young people safeguarded through joint work with county forces across the UK.

Work of the Violence Suppression Units (VSUs) (5)

Siân Berry: Thank you for your answer to my question 2020/1641. Could you tell me: a) how are people notified that they are on this list of 1,000 individuals, and b) what is the process for being removed from the list?

The Mayor: This operation offered diversionary support to up to 1,000 individuals identified during the relaxation of COVID restrictions. Individuals have been informed through personal visits. If individuals were not present at the address on more than 3 occasions and addresses confirmed as current, then a letter detailing the offer was provided.
By identifying these individuals as violent offenders, for the purposes of diversion, they do not automatically become part of a continued managed cohort (Integrated Offender Management, gangs etc) unless their offending/intelligence meets the necessary assessment in these areas.
The impact of this operation this is being reviewed over the course of 12 months. The list of 1,000 individuals will not be used for any other purposes following the conclusion of this review of the impact of the operation.

Sistah Space Eviction

Caroline Pidgeon: Sistah Space is the only pan-London domestic violence charity offering specialist services for Black & Afro-Caribbean women, a charity which you have recently funded. The charity has been evicted by Hackney Council from the premises it was using and asked to return to a wholly unsuitable premises. As Mayor of London, will you: a) intervene to support this charity and ensure that its essential work can continue; b) immediately ensure it can be supported to find an appropriate location to operate until the threat of Covid-19 has passed; and c) work with Sistah Space and Hackney Council directly to find a long-term solution for the charity, with suitable premises and security for the long-term?

The Mayor: I believe that Sistah Space provides a vital service supporting black women experiencing Domestic Abuse, and I am supportive of their work. Through my £15 million investment in the London Victim and Witness Service, Sistah Space are receiving funding to support black women coming to the service. The issue of the lease for Sistah Space offices is a matter for Hackney Council, and I am unable to intervene. I have been informed by Hackney council that the original accommodation used by Sistah Space has been refurbished, and that Sistah Space has been asked to return to this. I hope that Sistah Space will be able to continue to provide their important service from this safe and appropriate accommodation that meets their needs, and that they and Hackney Council will reach a satisfactory resolution to this matter. I remain committed to taking action to tackle violence against women and girls, and last year invested a further £15 million in vital specialist support services in the capital, including those that are often the first and only support for victims from Black, Asian and minority backgrounds, and those concerned about their immigration status.

Stop and search restraints

Unmesh Desai: Please provide the percentage breakdown of the number of people who have been restrained using handcuffs whilst being stop and searched, by ethnicity, in each of the following years 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020.

The Mayor: MPS datasets do not currently permit cross-referencing data held on Stop and Search with that on use of handcuffs.
This has been raised with the MPS and the Commissioner is conducting a review.

Police Helicopter Use (1)

Caroline Pidgeon: How many times over the last year have Met police helicopters been deployed and remained in stationary flight over one location for more than an hour? Please break down by month and location.

The Mayor: There were 2654 ‘actioned calls for service’ in London in the year September 2019 to August 2020. Of these 228 were occasions when the helicopter remained deployed for over one hour. This does not mean stationery, but deployed on one task for over an hour.

Barnet police numbers

Susan Hall: Will you increase police numbers in the borough of Barnet, if so, by how much and when?

The Mayor: Due to my investment in 19/20 of 1,000 more officers than would otherwise be affordable and the national uplift the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) has grown strongly over the past year to surpass 32,000 officers.
I have brought forward investment for a further 600 officers in 20/21 which will allow the MPS to continue to grow throughout 2020 whilst we await the Government clarifying what further funding it will provide. Officers are currently projected to reach 33,000 by April 2021.
It is an operational decision for the MPS as to where these new resources will be deployed. The MPS is initially focusing on increasing proactivity, visibility and local support to reduce violence. For example, the Violence Suppression Units have already started targeting activity in violence hotspots across London.
It is important to realise that this will benefit all Basic Command Units (BCUs), including the North West, which Barnet is part of and includes Harrow and Brent.

Body worn video (2)

Jennette Arnold: Under what circumstances is it acceptable for an officer to refuse to switch on their Body Worn Video Camera when requested by a member of the public to do so?

The Mayor: It is difficult to envisage a situation where an officer would not use body worn video in an encounter with a member of the public when they ask for it to be used.

London protests

Susan Hall: Are you satisfied with the handling of the recent protests?

The Mayor: Policing of protests is always a complex and challenging task, made more difficult by the current Covid-19 conditions. I believe the Police managed the protests under extraordinary pressure. Nonetheless, like after every major protest the Police will conduct a debrief for lessons to be learnt.
The vast majority of protestors at recent Black Lives Matters protests were peaceful. But this vital cause was badly let down by a tiny minority who turned violent and caused vandalism. This is simply not acceptable, will not be tolerated and will not win the lasting and necessary change we desperately need to see.
The following weekend, millions of Londoners will have been disgusted by the shameful scenes of violence, desecration and racism displayed by the right-wing extremists. In the face of attacks and abuse, our police did a fantastic job to control the situation.
I would like to pay tribute to all the Met officers keeping protesters safe. Any attacks on officers were completely unacceptable.

Accusation of Police Racism

Peter Whittle: On 9 August 2020, police stopped a vehicle being driven through Hackney, to speak to the driver of the vehicle. The Metropolitan Police subsequently stated that the stop was a mistake, caused by an officer incorrectly entering the car's registration number. From the footage available, Dawn Butler MP immediately announced to the officers that she was a Member of Parliament and subsequently accused the officers of racism.1 Scotland Yard’s Deputy Commissioner Sir Steve House said officers could not have known Butler and the driver of the BMW car were black before they stopped it, because the windows were tinted. I understand that the MP was subsequently granted an audience by the Metropolitan Police Commissioner, Dame Cressida Dick, to discuss the action of her officers. Would an ordinary member of the public have secured this kind of treatment from the Metropolitan Police and why have the Met not released their own footage of the stop?

1https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-53713312

The Mayor: This incident attracted significant public interest and involved a Member of Parliament who represents a community that has been affected by similar issues. It is a matter for the Met Police how it responds, but it is entirely appropriate for an MP to meet with a senior Met officer to discuss their concerns and those of their constituents. The Met Police has recently reviewed its policy for releasing body worn video (BWV) to the public, including taking legal advice. In the vast majority of cases there is no legal pathway to routinely release footage except for exceptional circumstances.

The Right to Protest

Peter Whittle: On 29 August 2020, Piers Corbyn was slapped with a £10,000 fine for his part in the 'Unite for Freedom' rally on Saturday which saw thousands descend on Trafalgar Square in a protest against extending the Covid emergency measures. The 73-year-old stated on Twitter that he had been handed the fixed penalty fine as ‘organiser’1. If Piers Corbyn was fined £10,000 for ‘breaking COVID laws’ surely the organisers of the Day of Ashura march and the #MillionPeopleMarch should face the same. If not, why not?

1https://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/trafalgar-square-antilockdown-man-73-handed-10000-fine-a4536441.html?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Twitter#Echobox=1598885041

The Mayor: At the time of the Unite for Freedom rally, regulations stated that it was unlawful to hold a gathering of more than 30 people. There were exemptions to this, including gatherings organised by a political body, business or a charity. These organisations would have had to complete a full risk assessment and taken all reasonable measures to limit the transmission of the virus.
At the time of the Unite for Freedom rally, no risk assessment had been obtained.

Policing during COVID-19

Leonie Cooper: A constituent has written in to ask “What are you doing to help tackling the over-policing of BAME people in London? What are you doing to guarantee people’s rights to peacefully protest, appreciating the added complexity of the Covid-19 pandemic? In the unlikely event protests descend into riots and/or acts of looting, how will you protect local businesses from harm?”

The Mayor: I stand with the millions of people around the world who are protesting to say that Black Lives Matter after the brutal killing of George Floyd. This must be a catalyst for systemic change to tackle the inequalities that black people still face. This is why I have commissioned my Deputy Mayors for both Policing and Crime, and Social Integration to create an Action Plan for increasing trust and confidence, transparency and accountability. This Plan is underway, and is informed by our discussions with communities.
But I am extremely concerned about the potential transmission of Covid-19, as well as far-right groups intent on causing violence and disorder in London. Our police are doing a good job of controlling vandalism and violence, which will not be tolerated. The MPS have put an appropriate policing plan in place, and review this for lessons learnt, including imposing conditions on several groups intending to protest.

Murders of Bibaa Henry and Nicole Smallman (1)

Navin Shah: Two sisters, Bibaa Henry and Nicole Smallman were murdered in my constituency in early June. This tragic event was shocking enough to the local community, but now we have been horrified to hear that two police officers have been arrested for allegedly taking inappropriate photos at the scene. Will you join me in condemning these actions?

The Mayor: This is a tragic case where two women have been murdered in a local park. Londoners will be undoubtedly disgusted by these sickening allegations and I am deeply concerned about the impact this will no doubt have on the victims’ family, friends and the wider community.
I welcome, and wholeheartedly support, the action taken by the Met and their decision to refer this incident to the IOPC for independent investigation.

Stop and search during lockdown (3)

Siân Berry: What evaluation of the risks to public health was obtained by senior officers in the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) before deciding to continue and accelerate high rates of stop and search during lockdown?

The Mayor: Keeping members of the public safe is the priority for officers, during lockdown the MPS managed the risks to both the public and officers by following the Public Health England (PHE) guidance and referring to the national decision model.
The decision to stop and search is individual to every officer with each case being risk assessed and where necessary officers have access to face masks, using alcohol hand sanitizer and single use disposable gloves. The Met continues to ensure that all operational police officers are supported and operate within the PHE and the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) guidelines using appropriate personal protective equipment available when searching any individual.

Body Worn Video footage

Susan Hall: What conversations and actions have you undertaken to help gain permission for the MPS to make some Body Worn Video footage public? Is this something you support?

The Mayor: Scrutiny and accountability in the use of police powers is important and that is why my Office for Policing and Crime has overseen the largest roll out of Body Worn Video (BWV) in the United Kingdom.
The Met Police has recently reviewed its policy for releasing body worn video (BWV) to the public, including taking legal advice. In the vast majority of cases there is no legal pathway to routinely release footage except for exceptional circumstances.

Pan-London Forum for Anti-Social Behaviour

Caroline Pidgeon: In response to a recent letter on community triggers and anti-social behaviour the Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime stated that “MOPAC remains in discussion with London Councils on how best to re-establish a pan-London ASB forum for local authorities, housing providers and police.” What progress has been made on these talks and will you escalate action in this area?

The Mayor: As you are aware, ASB is a mandatory priority for all London boroughs as set out within my Police and Crime Plan and the MOPAC performance framework.
MOPAC has continued discussions with London Councils as well as several Heads of Community Safety Partnerships. MOPAC officers are still considering how best to establish a forum, however we continue to work closely with London Councils and partners to support the greater coordination of efforts to tackle ASB across London.